Description

The manager will develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies, including market intelligence, supplier selection, cost modeling, and pricing forecasts. They will build and maintain performance‑driven supplier relationships to secure technology and cost advantages. Accurate cost projections will be provided to support budgeting, and collaboration with engineering, operations, and quality will improve supplier processes and yields. All aspects of BOM category management, from contract negotiation to ongoing oversight, will be owned, while supporting supplier development and visibility of roadmaps. Additionally, the role designs a resilient supply chain, addresses supply risks, and may lead a small team of 1‑2 direct reports.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for BOM categories, including market intelligence and cost modeling.
• Build and maintain performance‑driven relationships with key suppliers to secure technology and cost advantages.
• Provide accurate cost projections and support budgeting processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to improve supplier processes and yields.
• Own all aspects of BOM category contract negotiation and ongoing supplier oversight.
• Support supplier development and maintain visibility of supplier roadmaps and capabilities.
• Partner cross‑functionally throughout the product lifecycle to align sourcing with business and technical needs.
• Design and manage a resilient supply chain to ensure uninterrupted component availability and mitigate risks.
• May lead a small team of 1–2 direct reports.

Requirements

Illuminate USA is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Category Manager to lead the direct sourcing strategy for our Bill of Materials (BOM) category. This critical procurement role develops and manages strategic supplier partnerships to ensure supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and high quality. The Category Manager collaborates with engineering, quality, and cross‑functional teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives and meet delivery targets.

Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, with a master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 10 years of strategic procurement experience in solar, EMS, semiconductors, energy storage, or contract manufacturing is required. Proven ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment, strong supplier management, contract negotiation, cost analysis, and risk mitigation skills are essential. Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and cross‑functional collaboration abilities are also expected.

• Require a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field; master's preferred.
• Minimum 10 years strategic procurement experience in solar, EMS, semiconductors, energy storage, or contract manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.
• Strong skills in supplier management, contract negotiation, cost analysis, and risk mitigation.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and cross‑functional collaboration abilities.

Benefits

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting‑edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million‑square‑foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Join us to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

The 1.1 million‑square‑foot factory in Columbus, Ohio is in advanced preparation as we aim to become one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the Western Hemisphere. Illuminate USA targets $1 billion‑$2 billion annual revenue and over 1,200 employees within two years. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing career development opportunities. Join our collaborative, people‑focused, and innovative workplace as we build something great from the ground up.

• Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous career growth opportunities.
• Inclusive, diverse, equal‑opportunity workplace.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance